Forced to take on extra work to make mortgage payments on their 2,000-plus-square-foot home, the Jordans found an ad for a local company that would construct custom-made small houses. For less than $20,000, they were able to build the home – and go mortgage-free.

In the video, Debra Jordan gives a tour of her home, along with a convertable sofa bed she built for guests. Her 13-year-old son lives in a loft space above the living room/kitchen area.

She explains that the space – immaculately organized – can now “sleep six people comfortably, and eight to 10 uncomfortably.”

According to Jordan, downsizing helped the family focus on what matters.

“It’s not what you don’t have, it’s what you do have,” she said. “We just wanted a simple life and this helped contribute to that peaceful feeling. Not always rushing to make payments on a gigantic home.”

Debra and Gary were working four jobs after Gary lost his original job two years ago. At the time, they were living in a 2,000 sq. ft. home on an acre and a half of land. While searching for ways to downsize, they had an epiphany.

Before having their son, Debra and her husband Gary had spent 9 years living in very tiny homes in South America. Living small hadn’t felt like a sacrifice, but a way to stay focused on what is important. They decided they wanted to get back to that.

They stopped working so hard, sold or gave away all of their extra stuff and began looking for the perfect tiny home.

The “perfect tiny home” is a $15,000, 320 sq. ft. abode with a separate work studio. They now live there with their 13-year-old son and claim the home can sleep “6 people comfortably, probably 8 to 10 people uncomfortably.” Faircompanies.com “they have a walk-in closet, full-sized appliances and even an antique bed,“ and ”their son has his own lofted bedroom big enough for sleepovers.”